Jimitota ONOYUM

PORT HARCOURT: Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Joseph Ajienka, has called for collaboration between the University and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, to strengthen environment studies in the institution.

The Vice chancellor who made the appeal when the Director General of the agency, Dr Ngeri Benebo, paid him a courtesy visit in his office, said the industry could help the university shape it’s curricula on environment studies.

He added that it could also nominate its staff to take some courses in these environment related institutions in the university. “We want the industry to advice on our curricula, nominate people to teach in our programmes, supervise projects with us. These are the things we are looking at,” he said.

Benebo, had earlier said the agency will not hesitate to assist the university develop institutions for training students in environment related matters and advised the institution to come to the agency for accreditation.

Meanwhile, Benebo in a lecture on: “Environmental Protection and sustainable development in Nigeria: the role of tertiary institutions,” said academic institutions have to be more involved in environment studies because of its relevance.

She said, “tertiary institutions have capacity to give quick responses to different societal problems, including those relating to the environment. Beyond teaching and learning on environmental issues, there is an emerging consensus that tertiary institutions can also model sustainable practices. Such education contributes strongly to sustainable practices. Such education contributes strongly to sustainable development by training and expanding young minds in researching solutions to the environmental challenges.”

“Tertiary institutions are unique and have their traditions and culture. They are familiar with their own traditions and culture. They are familiar with their surroundings. They can use their repository of knowledge and expertise to address various societal problems. The tertiary institutions can help protect the environment and achieve sustainable development through the implementation of various programmes under the umbrella of education for sustainable development.”